Snap Summary: Research co-funded by OCRA found that foregoing genetic counseling before and after genetic testing does not negatively impact individuals who do not have a pathogenic mutation. Studies have shown that people who might have a hereditary cancer risk often do not get tested. This makes it important to identify needless barriers that may … Continued
Snap Summary: An OCRA-funded study sought to understand why certain ovarian cancer cells resist olaparib treatment, and discovered that introducing a second drug (mifepristone) while targeting certain cells (polyploid giant cancer cells) may offer a solution. In a study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center set their sights on … Continued
A recent article from Stat News reports that as the United States continues to face a concerning shortage of vital chemotherapy drugs, ovarian cancer patients are among the hardest hit. According to Stat News, nearly 93% of U.S. cancer centers are reporting shortages of carboplatin, which is the most common first-line treatment for ovarian cancer. … Continued
Dr. Benjamin Bitler of the University of Colorado is a 2022 recipient of OCRA’s Collaborative Research Development Grant. His OCRA-funded project, which is expanding on findings from the Ovarian Cancer Research Group at the University of Colorado, aims to harness cutting-edge molecular profiling and advanced computational analysis in order to predict ovarian cancer recurrence and provide … Continued
OCRA-Funded Study Targets Immunotherapy OCRA grantees and their Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center colleagues published results from an exciting study detailing a new approach to adoptive T-cell therapy that may help improve immunotherapy options for ovarian cancer patients. Learn more about the findings from the research team, which included Dr. Bob McGray, OCRA grantee, and Dr. Kunle Odunsi, … Continued
A recent study from Cancer Nursing has shed more light on the profound impact gynecologic cancer has on survivors, even after treatment. In particular, the study highlighted the prevalence of fear of recurrence among gynecologic cancer survivors, regardless of their prognosis, and underscores the importance of support programs to address survivors’ needs adequately. Through in-depth … Continued
Dr. Chi Lam Au Yeung of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a 2022 recipient of OCRA’s Early Career Investigator Grant. Her OCRA-funded project is focused on studying molecules produced by ovarian cancer cells in order to gain new insights into the interrelationship between different cell types in the progression of this … Continued
Snap summary: OCRA-funded researchers set out to improve immune response against a known therapeutic target, and provided a glimpse into a world where an ovarian cancer patient’s own immune system can be harnessed to treat and eradicate the disease. Researchers at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center have made significant gains toward immunotherapy as a viable … Continued
What to Know About the Chemotherapy Drug Shortage As many are aware, the U.S. is currently experiencing a matter of great concern: an ongoing shortage of chemotherapy drugs that are essential in the treatment of ovarian cancer. The availability of these medications is of critical importance to patients and their families, and we understand the anxiety … Continued
We know that germline genetic testing (testing that looks for inherited genetic mutations that exist in all cells of the body) is a crucial component in the fight against ovarian cancer — not just in determining who is at increased risk for the disease, but in optimizing treatment for patients already diagnosed. OCRA offers free … Continued
Written by Annie Ellis, OCRA Research Advocate and Scientific Advisory Committee member, and ovarian cancer survivor, based on expert presentations from the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Society of Gynecoologic Oncology. This year’s SGO annual meeting theme was Patients ● Purpose ● Progress. The meeting was held in Tampa, Florida from March 25th – 28th. … Continued
From March 25-28, 2023, gynecologic cancer experts from around the world converged on Tampa, Florida to participate in the Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer hosted by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology. The meeting was packed with educational and scientific sessions highlighting the latest in the care of patients with gynecologic cancers. Below are some highlights of … Continued
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